Excerpts from abc7chicago.com:
The East Joliet Fire Protection District confirms lightning caused a smoky fire that killed an 85-year-old man Raymond Ziegler’s in Joliet.
“During the weather that we were having, the severity of the lightning it just hit and took the house with it,” said Deputy Fire Chief Matt Grohar, East Joliet Fire Protection District.
Neighbors told firefighters when they arrived that Ziegler lived alone in the home.
“There was furniture and many other obstacles that were in the house at the time which compromised getting in and success maneuvering inside,” Grohar said.
After a second search, firefighters found Ziegler. They said he died from smoke inhalation. He was a Korean War Veteran and had nine great grandchildren.
